Presents an interdisciplinary approach to immigration and child welfare and development for use by asylum attorneys, refugee resettlement agencies, immigration judges and officials, teachers of English as a second language, child protective services workers, foster families, psychologists and social workers, school guidance counselors, public health officials, and others. Unaccompanied children often flee their countries of origin because of some traumatic event, their needs differ from those of adults, and they are particularly vulnerable and have the right to fair and informed presentation. Chapters cover: (1) understanding the stages of child development and associated mental health issues; (2) working cross-culturally, including understanding cultural barriers; (3) establishing a trusting relationship with child clients; (4) setting the stage for a comfortable interview; and (5) determining the reliability of child testimony and understanding the reasons for inconsistencies and fabrication. Also contains professional and organizational resources for children, a bibliography, and relevant documents pertaining to unaccompanied immigrant or refugee children.
